Grupo Mexico and GE Power Conversion business have partnered to expand capacity at the Buenavista copper mine in Sonora, Mexico with GEs proprietary Quadramatic drive technology.
As part of the deal, GE will provide synchronous motor technology and add 84MW power at six Buenavista ball mills, enabling higher efficiency and lower energy requirements for mining operations.
Expanding the Buenavista open-pit copper mine was initiated in order to meet the global demand for copper.
GE will supply six, 14MW Quadramatic systems and One LSS spare motor while also providing installation and commissioning services.
Grupo Mexico corporate purchasing director Manuel Tellez said that the technology enables boost in production and leverage on high copper prices driven by infrastructure expansion in Asia.
“By supporting the long-term economic viability of the Buenavista mine, our expansion project will support the local economy at Cananea Sonora, Mexico,” Tellez added.
The equipment is expected to be installed at Buenavista before October 2013 and phased-commercial operations to start during April-June 2013.
